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Murder of the dance floor: Is clubbing dead?

Ilona Hoffmann explores the reasons behind Gen Z's declining interest in clubbing culture and investigates what their new priorities are.

By Ilona HoffmannFeatures Subeditor

Gen Z isn’t clubbing like previous generations. What is to blame for the end of the boogie? It’s not just about the cost of living crisis - though skyrocketing drink prices, expensive entry fees and insufficient student loans don’t help. Students prefer more intimate settings to chat with friends, valuing curated experiences over sweaty dance floors. The rise of wellness culture, sober curiosity and controlled social settings means that, more often than not, the traditional club scene isn't the go-to anymore.

Currently, Gen Z is battling soaring inflation with a 2.5 per cent rise in UK prices in the last 12 months causing disproportionately higher prices, housing costs and student loan balances than the millennials who came before them. The National Union of Students claimed that the 2.8 per cent increase in maintenance loans for 2023/2024 was woefully inadequate, making it difficult for students to cover their housing let alone a couple of pints. Six in ten UK customers are cutting back on non-essential purchases and unfortunately, clubbing is the first to go.

With the increase of online influencers who make wellness their brand, Gen Z is becoming inspired to make healthier choices than the generations before them. For Gen Z, health is holistic and they instinctively integrate health and wellness into their everyday lives, naturally causing a cut in their alcohol consumption. The largest recent UK study of drinking behaviours showed that in 2019, 16-25-year-olds were the most likely to be teetotal, with 26 per cent not drinking. Elle, a fourth-year pharmacology student, told Epigram that ‘a night out isn't worth the disruption to [her] schedule the next day’, where she would most likely sleep in and miss going to the gym because of drinking. This new rewriting of your 20s is prioritising a more health-conscious and sober lifestyle. Not that clubbing needs to involve drinking, however, this means clubs aren't making enough money to stay open, which has caused 37 per cent of UK clubs to close down over the last four years, which equates to 10 clubs closing every month

'Bristol Bar' | Ilona Hoffmann

Not only are students more health conscious, they are more safety conscious. Nightclubs are far more likely to be the setting for spiking, particularly needle incidences. In fact, as high as 80% of spiking occurs in public venues such as nightclubs. Pia, a fourth year chemistry student, told Epigram that she ‘would always have her hand over her glass in the club’ meaning she ‘couldn’t ever relax’. Student spiking stories travel fast on university campuses and as a result, three quarters of South West students aren't taking any chances and are boycotting the club.

Another area affecting Gen Z’s aversion to clubbing is the rise in phone culture. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z places a high value on online validation, often prioritising their digital presence over real-world experiences. A Google study found that 60 per cent of UK Gen Zers associate drinking with a loss of control, and in an era of hyper-curated personal branding, that’s a risk many aren’t willing to take. Gone are the days of carefree, messy nights out. Research shows that 49 per cent of Gen Z say their online image is always at the back of their mind when they go drinking. In a time of carefully crafted online persona and constant documentation, the fear of an unflattering photo or embarrassing video going viral outweighs the appeal of a night out. 

With music being readily available online, students would rather sit at home and watch it on their phones. ‘Club music isn’t what it used to be - after the death of dance music, clubbing isn’t as enjoyable’, Eve, a fourth-year law student, commented. Students have expectations with club music and it has been found that Gen Zers are increasingly nostalgic for an era of clubbing they didn't get to experience

'Bristol concert' | Ilona Hoffmann

If students aren’t clubbing anymore, what are they doing instead? 50 per cent of UK students that were interviewed stated they preferred going to see live entertainment such as gigs, comedy shows or even the theatre than clubbing. Students are veering towards more intimate activities where they are not fighting the bass to have a conversation. Elle stated that ‘students prefer relaxed house parties and tend to call it a night after the pre-drinks.’ Jana, a fourth-year biochemistry student, agreed with this sentiment and prefers to ‘have dinner with friends,’ prioritising quality time over clubbing. The more tailored and intimate settings seem to be appealing to Gen Z.

Despite these factors, clubbing culture is still a big part of the UK university experience. Eve continued to tell Epigram that ‘with the rise of artists like Charli XCX, clubbing culture may be saved.’ Upcoming artists are reclaiming club dance anthems and perhaps this will draw Gen Z back onto the dance floor.

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Gen Z is moving away from the club scene. Rising costs, wellness trends, and the fear of an unflattering viral moment have made house parties, gigs, and pub nights far more appealing. With students tightening their budgets and prioritising health, safety, and controlled social experiences, club culture is losing its pull and unless something changes, it might not make a comeback.

Featured Image: Epigram / Ilona Hoffmann


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